West Ham United head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has been hit by another blow with key defender Konstantinos Mavropanos ruled out for up to six weeks.
The Hammers' Greek centre-back suffered a hamstring injury during last week's home defeat by Brentford. He had to be taken off on a medi-cart at the London Stadium and is now set for at least a month on the sidelines.
Mavropanos Facing Extended Spell on Sidelines
Konstantinos Mavropanos during a pre-match warm-up with West Ham United
Mavropanos is generally considered the first-choice defensive partner alongside Max Kilman at the heart of West Ham's leaky defence, but Nuno will now have to turn to Jean-Clair Todibo as cover while the club battles to climb away from the Premier League's relegation zone.
Mavropanos, who has been on the Hammers' books since sealing a £19million move from Stuttgart in August 2023, underwent a scan on his hamstring and even though he will be out for some time the issue is not considered that serious long-term. But it is still the last thing Nuno needs as he tries to plot a course out of the top flight's drop zone.
West Ham lost 2-1 at Leeds United just four days after the demoralising home defeat to London rivals Brentford in the absence of Mavropanos.
They are second from bottom and saddled with the worst goal difference in the entire division at minus 13. Champions League side Newcastle United are next up this coming Sunday, with West Ham in a full blown crisis of confidence. They have lost all four home games this season and are without a win in six.
There are also injury issues all over the team, with emerging left-back Ollie Scarles also looking set for a spell out of the team after damaging his shoulder in Friday’s game at Elland Road.
The teenager, who won the FA Youth Cup with West Ham two years ago, fell awkwardly and had to leave the pitch using an oxygen mask to ease the discomfort. Scarles, 19, can also play as a centre-back and his unavailability is an added challenge for Nuno.
And up front, the head coach is struggling for bodies with experienced Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug also in the middle of his latest injury after picking up an ankle problem while on international duty last month.
West Ham are targeting new players in January to help lift them up the table, with a centre-back and a striker top of their list of priorities. Veteran Callum Wilson, 33, came off the bench at Leeds after Scarles’ injury forced a reshuffle in the first half.
West Ham face fellow strugglers Burnley after playing host to Newcastle. It is another home game, but they have not recorded a win at the London Stadium since February 27.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 27/10/2025